Kinky straight wigs are the new trend, offering a more realistic look that blends well whether you are natural or relaxed. And with winter right around the corner many our looking for protective styles that are easy to apply. Wigs are one of the best protective solutions as you can take them off and on as need be. I have become a kinky straight wig hoarder, as I review variations of kinky straight wigs from different Chinese vendors. But how do you tell them apart? Are they all created equal?

The answer: absolutely not.

Hair Texture – this is, generally speaking, Chinese human hair that is processed into the kinky straight texture. Even though wig companies will give you the option for Indian/Remy/Yaki and charge you more for each, trust me, there’s no real difference as it is Chinese hair. The difference will simply lie between the wig companies and the hair texture that they are producing which will range from slightly silky to coarse. The best, IMHO, lies directly in the middle, a slightly dense texture that can be soften with a flat iron.

Lace Front Area – basically how much lace/parting area does the wig give you and is it lace or a silk closure. All my favorite wigs have ample parting space, though I have received other wigs where the lace front area was extremely small and the line of demarcation was very noticeable. Lace vs. silk closure has it’s pros and it’s cons. One wig I feature has a silk closure and for someone who doesn’t like to leave any of their hair it, it works great. However if you want to blend your leave out the silk closure can be a bit of a hassle. It is really just personal preference.

Cap Construction – for the most part any wig with combs and the elastic straps at the nap, will be lace in the front, and a stretch material through the center and back. I do not mind this at all, as this is how I prefer my caps to be constructed. I do not like full lace wigs, because I am not glueing the wig down. Nah child, my edges are flourishing and precious, no need to mess up a good thing. You want a well ventilated wig so that it is not prone to shedding.

Now let’s get into my actual favs here from least to best!

Premiere Lace Wig Kinky Straight – this one is the cheapest option, ranking as a fav because it is a bargain buy. Decent construction, a lovely soft and airy texture and the wig lays flat! The biggest con for me is the cap construction, as the front of the wig is lace and the rest is tracks sewn on the lace, leaving the wig on the slightly thinner side and it’s very prone to shedding. It’s a good entry wig, for those super hesitant to drop the coin, but the life span on this wig will be limited. Still great to get your feet wet with.

April Lace Wig Kinky Straight – oh this wig is all over YouTube and for good reason. I love it, a lot a lot. It was sent to me at 14″ and I chopped it in a bob that most people think is my real hair. This is the wig with the silk closure, which works well for me since I don’t ever leave any of my hair out. But for those who want to blend this may take some getting use to. I manipulate and style this wig often but it holds up very well. The hair strands are closer to the coarse side, but not too much, they call it “Italian yaki.” It’s a thoroughly beautiful wig.

(And 4) Eva Wigs Kinky Straight – this is my absolute favorite! So much so that I have two, one at 16″ and another at 24″. The longer one, I’ve now had for over a year and it shows no wear or tear, that’s after wearing it constantly for three months, several flat iron, wand curl and wash sessions later. I love it. It has the perfect texture and a nice sheen without adding any product. That’s a sheen not a shine, making it look super authentic. I would stay away from the ear tabs on EvaWigs, but otherwise I prefer their construction the most. Love it!

Which kinky straight wig is your fav? Are you considering buying one, or have you already taken the splurge? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.